Coventry City to play home matches at Northampton's Sixfields Stadium | Football News | Sky Sports Coventry City to play home matches at Northampton's Sixfields Stadium Coventry will play home matches at Northampton's Sixfields Stadium for three seasons, the Football League confirmed. Last Updated: 08/07/13 8:48pm Ricoh Arena: Coventry unable to resolve differences with stadium owners The cash-strapped League One club have been embroiled in a long-running rent dispute with Ricoh Arena owners Arena Coventry Ltd, and both parties have been unable to resolve their differences. Coventry were issued a winding-up order earlier this year and placed in administration after ACL took them to court claiming unpaid rent of £1.3m. The Otium Entertainment Group, the City administrators' "preferred biffer", were forced to submit a bid to the Football League and Northampton Town to relocate to Sixfields. The bid has now been approved, although it is subject to Otium paying a "performance bond" of £1m as an assurance that they will work to move the club back to Coventry as soon as possible.

A Football League statement read: "The board of directors of The Football League has reluctantly approved an application by Otium Entertainment Group - the Administrator's preferred bidder for Coventry City FC Limited - for Coventry City to play its home matches at Northampton Town's Sixfields Stadium for an initial period of three seasons. "In the board's view, it was a matter of 'deep regret' that it had not proved possible for the club's proposed purchaser to reconcile its differences with the owners of the Ricoh Arena - Arena Coventry Limited (ACL)." Football League chairman Greg Clarke said: "The Football League believes that clubs should play in the towns and cities from which they take their name. "Nonetheless, from time to time, the board is asked to consider temporary relocations as a means for securing a club's ongoing participation in our competition. "With no prospect of an agreement being reached between Otium and ACL, the board was placed in an unenviable position - with the very real possibility of Coventry City being unable to fulfil its fixtures for next season. "This would inevitably call into question the club's continued membership of The Football League.

"The board did not take this decision lightly and it remains a matter of deep regret that the two parties involved cannot come to an agreement. "I urge both Otium and ACL to continue to explore every possible opportunity to resolve this dispute, for the good of the City of Coventry, its football club and people living in the local community." ACL issued an official statement saying they were still keen to explore the possibility of keeping the club in the city and it read: "Like all Sky Blues fans, we want Coventry City Football Club playing in Coventry. "We have repeatedly said that we are happy to discuss terms to allow the Sky Blues to continue playing at the Ricoh Arena - and have even offered to allow them to play for free while the club remains in administration. This offer was made a month ago and we still have not had a response. "We are therefore deeply disappointed at the Football League's decision to allow the club to leave the city for three years. We understand that they are under considerable pressure to finalise the fixtures before the start of the season and that they are being placed in a very awkward position by both the administrator and the current preferred bidders, Otium Entertainment.

"There is no need to force fans to travel 30 miles to watch a 'home game'. The Ricoh Arena is available to them. We want them here. The fans want them here. The only people who want the Sky Blues to leave Coventry are the ones with no connection to this city." Sixfields Stadium Sixfields Stadium By Gareth Willsher Your guide to the home of the Cobblers Ballast Nedam Construction Limited were appointed the design and build contractor for Northampton Borough Council's new Sixfields "Community" Stadium in December 1993. The design was carried out in close liaison with Northampton Borough Council and was completed in October 1994, the first match took place on 15th October against Barnet Football Club. The Taylor Report has created a situation whereby clubs are seeking an innovating, cost effective way of meeting the demanded recommendations. In many cases clubs will chose to redevelop their existing ground where possible, although in some cases this is not possible and therefore the need arises for clubs to relocate.

Football Clubs and Local Councils now appreciate that what appeared to be problem in achieving this can, with sound advice, become an exciting opportunity resulting in the Community having an attractive new facility which can be utilised for numerous sporting fixtures and entertainment events such as pop concerts. Northampton's Sixfields Stadium is an example of such a development. A multi-use facility which can accommodate in excess of 7,500 seated spectators, with provisions for the disabled. The stadium is also used for American Football, Rugby League and Athletics and has hosted various Semi-Professional International Rugby matches. The Main West Stand can accommodate 4,000 seated spectators and incorporates a glazed upper concourse for supporters with refreshment facilities. The ground floor includes changing facilities, provisions for First Aiders, Stewards and Match Officials, there is also a Supporters bar complimented by several Executive Lounges and a Restaurant. The Dave Bowen Stand (North) and South Stands are identical, each containing just under 1,000 seats and both are capable of future extension. Similarly the East (Family) Stand is also capable of extension, and incorporates modern changing facilities for the Athletics Club, an All Weather track and provides space for the Football in the Community office.

Access to the Stadium can be obtained via 14 turnstiles which in one hour can access over 9,000 spectators. The Taylor report suggests that the maximum exit time for a Stadium should be eight minutes, Sixfields has been designed to allow spectators to leave the Stadium in five and a half minutes. The aisles, staircases and exit gates have flow rate capabilities to maintain this standard. As recommended, 1% of the Stadium capacity is allocated for wheelchair users. Wheelchair spectators have the choice of viewing matches from any Stand, there is also an elevated section in the East Stand solely for wheelchair users which is accessible via a lift. All wheelchair spaces have accompanying companion/carer seats. Visiting supporters are situated in the South Stand, if as occasionally is the case that the visitors require more than the capacity of the South Stand then a further 423 East Stand seats can be made available. Parking for supporters coaches is adjacent to the South Stand. Northampton Town Football Club offices and the Club shop are located in the South West corner of the Stadium on two floors, along with the match control tower. Ballast Nedam Construction Limited are a nationwide company with worldwide links, a combination which offers significant benefits to their clients.

It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ballast Nedam NV with a turnover approaching £1 billion and a worldwide reputation for quality and innovation in building, civil and marine engineering and dredging. The commercial and financial backing, experience and resources available through Ballast Nedam NV provide the high level of reassurance demanded by today's discerning customer. Ballast Nedam's UK head office is located in Bromley, Kent and there are long established regional offices throughout the country. Ballast Nedam have designed and built Stadiums and sports facilities throughout Europe and in the United Kingdom. The current track record and reputation of the company paid dividends when they were awarded the coveted contract to build the 50,000 all seater multi-purpose Stadium (with sliding roof!) in Amsterdam which was completed in 1996 and is the home ground for Ajax Football Club. In July 2013 Coventry City Football Club agreed a 3 year deal to play their home games at Sixfields on a temporary basis, before they returned to the Ricoh Arena in August 2014. The stadium is currently being redeveloped, and the East Stand re-opened to supporters in April 2016.

RELATED ARTICLES Justin Edinburgh previews Milton Keynes Dons v Northampton Town 4 hours 30 mins ago Online sales suspended but tickets still available 20 hours 11 mins ago New manager wants team to produce high intensity football 1 day ago Great January transfer window offer 1 day ago Cobblers bring in Palace striker 2 days ago Justin Edinburgh working to make addition before MK Dons trip 3 days ago Coventry City will play their home games at Northampton's Sixfields Stadium for the next three seasons - Telegraph Coventry City Coventry City will play their home games at Northampton's Sixfields Stadium for the next three seasons Coventry City are facing the prospect of playing at Northampton Town for the next three seasons after the Football League "reluctantly approved" the stricken League One club's application. New ground: Coventry City will be playing their home games at Northampton for the next three seasons Photo: PA Follow Supporters will have to travel 34 miles to watch home games after months of rows and broken promises ended with the League agreeing to the groundshare, in a move that has already sparked a huge backlash.

Coventry's Ricoh Arena, previously the club's home for the past eight years, will now be unused after a ugly and public spat involving the owners, landlords Arena Coventry Ltd and Coventry City Council. The Sky Blues Trust had launched a vigorous campaign opposing the move but their worst fears were confirmed on Monday night when the League confirmed in a lengthy statement that their home games for the next three years will be staged at Sixfields. However, Football League chairman Greg Clarke admitted that he remains hopeful a compromise can be reached between Otium Entertainment Group - the Administrator's preferred bidder for Coventry City FC Limited - and ACL. He said: "The Football League believes that clubs should play in the towns and cities from which they take their name. Nonetheless, from time to time, the Board is asked to consider temporary relocations as a means for securing a club's ongoing participation in our competition.

Related Articles Sixfields Stadium | Northampton Town FC | Football Ground Guide Football Ground Guide Ticket Office: 01604 683 777 Pitch Size: 116 x 72 yards Club Nickname: The Cobblers Shirt Sponsors: University Of Northampton Kit Manufacturer: Nike Home Kit: Claret and White Away Kit: White and Black Third Kit: Yellow and Black External View Main and Dave Bowen Stands Dave Bowen Stand WHAT IS SIXFIELDS STADIUM LIKE? The Club moved from their old County Ground to the Sixfields Stadium in October 1994. This neat all seater stadium is located on the outskirts of Northampton. On one side a new East Stand is currently being built. The building of this stand has been going on for nearly two years due to various stoppages. With the Club now under new ownership works have recommenced and during March 2016, 1,900 seats were installed and made available to fans. Although the stand still looks half finished, with large areas above the seating sections still a shell, having fans back on that side has boosted the atmosphere somewhat and the club will now continue to endeavour to complete it.

On the other side of the ground is the large West (Main) Stand. This two tiered affair, is all seated and covered and is free of any supporting pillars. The team dug outs are located at the front of it. Both ends are smaller stands and are of similar size to one another. Again both are all seated and covered. The South end of the stadium is allocated to away supporters. A large hill overlooks the ground, where small numbers congregate to watch the game free, even though they can only see half the pitch! WHAT IS IT LIKE FOR VISITING SUPPORTERS? Away fans are located in the attractively named 'Paul Cox Panel & Paint South Stand' at one end of the pitch, where 800 supporters can be accommodated. One slight pain about Sixfields is that you can't pay at the turnstiles. You have to buy your ticket first from a Portakabin and then you have to queue again. Some away fans have got caught out by this when arriving late. However, I have received a number of reports complementing the standard of stewarding, other club officials and the Northampton fans themselves.

Please note that if you club has a large away following to make sure that you have a ticket before travelling as it has not be unknown for away fans turning up on the day, to find that the away section has sold out. Food on sale inside the ground includes: Cheesburgers £4.20, Burgers £4, Hot Dogs £3.70, Various Pies £3.10 and Sausage Rolls £3.10. Having lived in Northampton for a year and watched Northampton Town win the old fourth division (giving away my age now...), I have a soft spot for them. The fans themselves are quite passionate and this makes for a great atmosphere especially at cup games. Robert Dunkley informs me; 'outside the West Stand there is a used programme stall stocking a wide range of programmes from different clubs and seasons'. PUBS FOR AWAY FANS At Sixfields Stadium itself is Carrs Bar (the entrance to which is at the back of the Main Stand) which allows in away supporters. It also shows televised football. However with the recent burning down of the nearest pub the Sixfields Tavern, then this may revert back to being a home fans only venue.

As Sixfields Stadium is built on a leisure complex on the outskirts of Northampton, then visiting fans on arrival are pretty much confined to the complex. Just going past McDonalds towards the top end there is a Flaming Grill pub, which offers real ale, serves food and shows televised sport. Behind the Flaming Grill is a Tenpin Bowling Alley which also has a bar and also shows televised sports. Nearer to the stadium there is a Frankie & Benny's restaurant, which also serves alcohol. There are also a variety of other eating places nearby including a KFC, McDonalds and a Pizza Hut. Carl Brown adds; 'I found myself drinking in a T.G.I. Friday's outlet opposite the Main Stand. Maybe not your stereotypical pre-match watering hole but very convenient for a drink, plus there were a wonderful array of fine waitresses on display, serving the goods!' Kevin Roberts informs me; 'For those supporters travelling from the North and leaving the M1 at Junction 16 and taking the A4500 towards Northampton, then you will pass on your left the recently refurbished Turnpike pub, which as far as I am aware is still welcoming away supporters'.

Kevin continues; 'In Northampton town centre, there are several notable real ale pubs in addition to the usual Wetherspoons etc. A particular favourite for those looking for a decent pint is the Malt Shovel Tavern, which is possibly the best real ale pub in Northampton, having 14 hand pumps and is also listed in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide. To find this pub from the railway station, cross the road in front of the station and head towards the Carlsberg brewery (easily visible). You will find the pub located opposite the brewery. It is about a ten minute walk. It will probably take you a further 30 minutes to walk to the ground from here heading back in the same direction past the station (see 'By Train' below for walking directions)'. You can find out more about the pub on the Malt Shovel Tavern website. NORTHAMPTON HOTELS - FIND AND BOOK YOURS AND HELP SUPPORT THIS WEBSITE If you require hotel accommodation in Northampton then first try a hotel booking service provided by Booking.com . They offer all types of accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets from; Budget Hotels, Traditional Bed & Breakfast establishments to Five Star Hotels and Serviced Apartments.

Plus their booking system is straightforward and easy to use. Yes this site will earn a small commission if you book through them, but it will help towards the running costs of keeping this Guide going. DIRECTIONS AND CAR PARKING From The South: Leave the M1 at Junction 15A and take the A43 towards Northampton and you will come to the ground on your right. From The North: Leave the M1 at Junction 16 and take the A45 towards Northampton and you will come to the ground on your right. The Sixfields stadium is well signposted around the area. There is a fair sized car park located at the ground, which costs £4. Make sure though that you arrive early as it has been known for it to get full for the more popular games. Parking in the nearby cinema and restaurant car parks is not allowed, and parking there will probably result in your car being given a £60 ticket! So make sure that you only use the official football parking provided at the ground. Near to the stadium, off the roundabout by TGI Fridays is a hard standing area, known as Duston Mill.

On matchdays it is used as a car park, which is manned and costs £4 per car. Steve Riches adds; 'If Northampton Saints rugby club are also at home at the same time as Northampton Town, then the parking can get critical as the Saints play just down the road, so allow extra time on those occasions'. Post code for SAT NAV: NN5 5QA BY TRAIN Northampton train station is over two miles from the ground, so it is probably best to hire a taxi. However if you feel like braving the 25-30 minute walk then Dave Brown provides the following directions; 'Come out of the main station entrance, go across the car park, up the steps and then turn right onto Black Lion Hill. Go over the railway bridge, and straight on along St James' Road. At the HSS Hire outlet (and the handily placed Thomas A. Beckett pub on the opposite corner) turn left onto St James' Mill Road. After about 400 yards turn right at the Fabric Warehouse (opposite Jewson) onto Harvey Reeves Road, which further on becomes Edgar Mobbs Way.

After about a mile this road brings you out at Sixfields Stadium, with the South (away) Stand over on your right. Liz Williams adds; 'From the railway station you can take the D2 bus towards Daventry, which also goes by the Sixfields retail park and stops about 200 yards from the stadium. The buses go from the bridge over the railway at the south end of the station. To return, get on at the same stop, but make sure to check which direction the bus is heading as the same stop serves both directions. The trip takes 10-20 mins depending on traffic (which can be heavy if there is a Saints rugby match on the same day)'. A timetable can be downloaded from the Stagecoach website (PDF file). Find train times, prices and book tickets with trainline. Booking tickets in advance will normally save you money! BOOK TRAIN TICKETS WITH TRAINLINE Remember if travelling by train then you can normally save on the cost of fares by booking in advance. Visit the the trainline website to see how much you can save on the price of train tickets.

Click on the trainline logo below: All areas of Sixfields Stadium* Adults £22 Concessions £18 Under 18's £10 Concessions apply to over 65's. Under 21's can also be admitted at the concessionary price, providing that their ticket is bought prior to matchday. * Please note that these prices are for tickets purchased prior to matchday. Tickets bought on the day of the game cost £2 more. At the County Ground; 24,523 v Fulham, Division One, April 23rd, 1966. At Sixfields Stadium; 7,798 v Manchester United, League Cup 3rd Round, 21st September 2016. Average Attendance Special thanks to Mike Cleave for providing photos of the West and Dave Bowen Stands and to Dave Hollands for the photo of the new East Stand. Thanks also to Owen Pavey for providing the layout diagram of Sixfields Stadium. Saturday 24th October 2015, 3pm James Walker (Stevenage fan) Why were you looking forward to visiting Sixfields Stadium?

To be honest, I wasn't looking forward to this away day at all. I had previously visited the Sixfields Stadium four times before and hadn't even witnessed a Stevenage goal there, so naturally I wasn't at all confident of netting a result today against a Northampton team in good form (despite all the off-pitch problems). How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking? As is the norm for me, I took the Stevenage supporters coach to Sixfields. The journey was fairly straightforward and we got to the ground for just after 1.20pm. Getting to the ground from the M1 motorway was simple as it's all signposted. What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly? As I had time to kill before the game, I went in to the club shop to purchase a badge (£2.99) and programme (£3), then in to the Carrs Bar for a drink and take in the second half of Blackburn vs Burnley in the early kick-off. The few locals I spoke to seemed pleasant enough. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Sixfields Stadium?

I already knew what to expect, having being here numerous times before. The away end is a small stand with a raised disabled platform in the middle (but bear in mind there is no shelter for disabled supporters) and tea bar located over in the far right hand corner. There is a big scoreboard over by the right corner flag. The stand opposite us looks exactly the same as the away end, whilst the stand to our left is the Main Stand which houses the majority of the home support. The stand to our right is the one that is still supposedly being built (off the field problems has meant that construction has stopped a couple of times) and is currently just a shell. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc.. The game itself was poor from our point of view. Northampton started the stronger and forced quite a few early corners but couldn't convert any. Then on 25 minutes, Steven Schumacher had a first-time shot which flew in to give us a thoroughly undeserved lead, but it was the first ever time we had scored a goal at Sixfields! The second half, however started disastrously, and the Cobblers were level within 4 minutes of the re-start.

Both teams had some chances to try and get the second goal, before Northampton countered after a dismal Tom Conlon corner and a series of defensive calamities saw the hosts score the all important second (and decisive) goal. The catering here looked very good on the whole. I had my usual Chicken Balti pie (£3.10) and it was lovely and hot. Just what the doctor ordered on a miserable day weather wise! Comment on getting away from the ground after the game: Getting away couldn't be simpler. We came out of the away end, turned right then walked along the path and the coach was right there waiting for us. We were out of there just after 5pm, and a very simple journey saw us back at the Lamex Stadium at 6.20pm. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out: Well on the plus side, we finally scored at the Sixfields Stadium. But on the negative side, it's another loss here for us. I guess we can't complain with the result though, given how awful we were on the day.

Half Time: Northampton Town 0-1 Stevenage Full Time: Northampton Town 2-1 Stevenage Attendance: 4,492 (334 away fans) Northampton Town v Exeter City League Two Steve Ellis (Exeter City fan) 1. Why were you looking forward to going to this ground? This was my first visit to the Sixfields stadium, and another to tick off for the 92. I ws again travelling on one of of the official supporters coaches that the club had organised. The journey was easy, leaving Exeter at 8.30am and arriving in Northampton just after 1pm. 2. What did you do before the game? On arrival at the ground I went upto the Sixfields Hungry Horse pub, about a 5minute walk up the hill, where I paused to take a photo of the football ground down below. Drinks seemed reasonably priced and home and away supporters mixed well. 3. First impressions on seeing the ground? For a stadium that is 20 years old, it still looks new. The Alwyn Hargraves (East) Stand is currently being updated, so it was closed.

Away supporters are housed in the South Stand, at one end of the stadium, which offers good views of the playing action. Sixfields Stadium 4. Comment on the game, atmosphere, refreshments, stewards and toilets? The game was a fairly even encounter, but ended as a 1-0 win for Northampton but neither team seemed over threatening, the atmosphere was mixed with both sets of supporters periodically singing. Stewards were helpful and non abtrusive, toilets were clean. The refreshments were in a cabin the opposite end of the stand from the turnstile and looked expensive, meal deals were also offered but again probably not worth it when you see prices of individual items. 5. Comments on getting away after the game? Very easy getting away after the game, the coach parked just outside the turnstiles. We arrived back into Exeter just after 9pm. 6. Summary of the day out? Despite the result, I had a good day out. Northampton Town v Dagenham & Redbridge League Two Saturday September 24th, 2011, 3pm Nick Murphy (Dagenham & Redbridge fan) 1. Why were you looking forward to going to the ground?

First and foremost for me, it was a new ground that I hadn't visited before. It looked a decent stadium and sounded it from what others had said. So with money spare and my team visiting, I thought why not tick another one off of the list. Add to that it seemed a plausible place to gain some points and end a bad run of form, it seemed like an ideal choice. Also it wasn't that far away which meant I didn't have to wake up early and the coach trip wasn't all that long either! 2. How easy was your journey/ finding the ground/ car parking? Although we were on the coach, it is still very easy to find, signposts are clear and as you come off the motorway, you can't really miss the place. The car parking was good, with plenty of spaces around the stadium. There was also plenty to do for the early arriver, as well as the usual have a look around the ground, there were a couple of pubs, a KFC, TGI Fridays and a McDonalds. 3. What did you think when seeing the ground/ first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground? I thought it looked like a nice ground.

The first thing you notice is the Main Stand, as you may expect a mix of metal and concrete which isn't particularly appealing. However it still looked relatively decent from the outside. The ticket shop wasn't very classy, effectively a portacabin located outside the away end, although the club shop looked very nice and well positioned near the away stand. As you walk in, you're greeted with the sight of a fairly open ground as no sides are joined together which gives it an open feel, more free, add to that the hill that lay behind the opposite home stand and you have a very unique looking stadium. The stands all looked very plain to be honest, but I liked it, but it could do with more character, something that's needed in a football ground. However, It's all very modern as you may expect. 4. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies and toilets: A very poor start to the match. There were hardly any chances and then from nothing Northampton score, a corner not cleared well enough and they smash home from a few yards. They deserved to be ahead going into half time. The score could have been more if it weren't for our keeper Chris Lewington who made one fantastic reflex.

The second half was a lot more open and could have gone either way, with the Daggers attacking from the off and hitting the bar just minutes in. However, predictability I suppose, Akinfenwa scored a header up the other end thanks to poor marking, Lewington had no chance and that was 2-0 to them, 30 minutes left and we could still salvage something. More attacking but yet no end product, the Cobblers keeper was called into action more than once to deny us, but Northampton continuously looked dangerous on the break. On 90 minutes or so Damien Scannell got down the left, put in a neat ball along the floor for Ollie Lee to slam home to make it 2-1, however it was too late and that's how it finished. A very disappointing game to add to the run and make it five straight defeats and keep our 100% losing streak against Northampton. The atmosphere was very poor, the 230 odd Daggers were unusually quiet, probably because of the lack of a drum, for some reason the Northampton stewards didn't oblige to it.

However the fact that we were losing for the majority of the game probably didn't help; Northampton fans were also very quiet, only being heard when they scored, not a single song, they were very disappointing. Their mascot had a drum, but his attempts at creating an atmosphere were in vain. The stewards were fine, a couple raised a smile and had a decent chat with some of our fans. They were also very lenient on whether you stand up or not which was good. The food was fine, I had a hot dog which was very tasty and I heard good reports on the pies. However, your wallet will have somewhat of a hole in after a visit to Sixfields. The toilets were very bog standard if you pardon the pun, very modern, running hot water, up there with what you expect from a modern ground. 5. Comments on getting away from the ground: Wasn't particularly bad, the coach picked us up and we only encountered a bit of traffic getting out, due to the amount of cars trying to get round a single roundabout and a single road out of the stadium complex, it wasn't particularly well thought up by the designers I don't think!

Fairly easy enough though and you're back on the motorway in no time. 6. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out: Apart from the disappointing result, I very much enjoyed my day at Sixfields. Good facilities, a nice, welcoming stadium if slightly dull and even the stewards had a smile on their face. A good view of the pitch helps the action, but the prices of the food and drink need to improve, that would be my only real criticism. Everything around the ground is top notch, location is good and if I had the chance to go back their again, which I probably will in the future, would I? Definitely, although I'd hope Dagenham improve on their recent record against Northampton first! Northampton Town v Southend United League Two Saturday 11th September 2010, 3pm Tim Sansom (Neutral fan) 1. Why were you looking forward to going to the ground? Visiting the Sixfields stadium in Northampton had been on my personal agenda for the while. Having recently moved to the town, I wanted to really feel that heart beat of the place that I am calling my home for the foreseeable future.

Football and rugby battle for the attention of the town's folk and it is not that far from the Sixfields stadium to Franklin's Gardens where the Northampton Saints play. To a large extent, I sensed that Northampton is far more a rugby town than football town in a similar fashion to Bath or Gloucester. However, Northampton Town Football Club does attract a fair amount of attention in the local media and the club does try to make itself to be more than a passing interest to the football loving public. For a long period over the summer, the club had adverts across the town to encourage people to forget about what was happening at Old Trafford or Anfield and watch their football closer to home. It was a brave advert in these strange football times. As well as wanting to visit to get more of a feeling about Northampton as a town, I also wanted to check out a lower league match and that is something which I shamefully fail to do as much as I like. It is natural to become more focused on the soap opera of your own team, and in my case, and at the time of writing, my team was doing surprisingly well in the Championship. You can also be extensively diverted to the Premiership with a particular focus on the top teams in the league.

You can forget that there are lower league teams and a whole galaxy of clubs below the Premiership that are trying to make sense of the game that we call football. I hoped that this particular game would be a decent match. Although I knew that Northampton had been struggling to get their first win of the campaign, and that Southend United had been equally fighting to avoid financial oblivion for most of the past summer, I did not walk into Sixfields with an intimate knowledge of every player�s strengths and weaknesses. I could take my seat as a true neutral and hope to be entertained by some exciting football on an impressively warm and sunny Saturday afternoon. I had a steely determination to enjoy this game come what may, to justify to a friend that paying to watch lower league football was money worth spent. 2. How easy was your journey/ finding the ground/car parking? The British road system is famously unpredictable but it is fair to say that the journey to Sixfields is fairly easy from any direction. I took an impressively direct bus to the ground from the horrific bus station that is probably the worst bus terminus that I have ever visited in the UK or the world.

It is everything that you would expect a bus station built around 1976 to be full of stained concrete, bus exhaust fumes, dying hanging baskets and dark wood panelling straight off a seventies game show. This town of shoes and brewing does have a very bustling feeling about it and you can easily kill some time in the town before your afternoon game. The buses to the stadium also stop to the west of the town centre. At the time of writing, there was going to be a revision of the buses that went to Sixfields but it was just down to a change of operator. Daventry bound buses go pass the railway station, and stop at a bus shelter on top of a hill that overlooks the stadium. St Giles Park buses also stop near to Sixfields. Sixfields is not a stadium that is penned in by a mass of dreary warehouses and carpet showrooms. After passing a small range of chain pubs, burger bars and restaurants that want you to eat masses for only £5:95, you will come to the top of a hill and Sixfields is in the valley below. It is fair to say that the stadium would not win many architectural awards but this ground does look smart.

Car parking is nearby in a number of car parks that are within walking distance of the stadium. I visited the stadium on a pleasant Saturday afternoon in the warm half of September. You get a decent view of Northampton including the large chimney looking tower used to test lifts. However I have been to Sixfields in dramatically difficult conditions. When there is wind and rain in the air, the whole area is particularly bleak and choosing the wrong seat in the stands means that you could be buffeted by wind for a solid ninety minutes. However, I guess that is what some people describe as atmosphere. 3. What did you think when seeing the ground/ first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground? Some people would argue that by the time that I got to the ground, I was rather over excited for a Northampton versus Southend game. I was excitingly texting anyone who would listen that I was at this league two game. One friend seemed particularly bemused and mentioned that he was watching Everton versus Manchester United and that was where the action was taking place. In hindsight, he was watching an exciting game. However, I was determined to enjoy my League Two action, enthusiastically brought the ticket and sat in the Main Stand towards the end where the Essex fans were sitting.

Inside the ground, there continues to be a very neat look to the stadium with perfectly shaped stadiums coloured in maroon rather than a mass of iron, steel and garishly coloured seats. I spoke to two local people who gave conflicting reports about whether there was any atmosphere in Sixfields. Apart from a fairly loud vocal element in the away end, the Main Stand seemed to be where the atmosphere was most evident with singing that lasted virtually throughout the game. A large amount of the songs came from the younger element of the home support which was surprising comforting. Despite the dreadful football from kick off to half time, people still kept on singing and we can all think of those grounds that turn into a library when the football collapsed from being even slightly exciting. 4. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies and toilets: The football was truly awful throughout the first 45 minutes. I was not especially upset about the action in front of me. It was a sunny Saturday afternoon. There was some atmosphere in the ground and I spent most of the first half noting how many tackles and fouls went unpunished when similar incidents would have been certainly punished in the Premiership.

Although it was a close run thing, Southend edged the action in the opening half, and you began to sense a feeling of uneasiness and frustration amongst the home fans. It was Saturday 11th September, and at 3:45pm, Northampton Town Football Club had yet to win their first game of the 2010/2011 season. If you are a neutral at the game, the best way to find out about the mood of the crowd is to visit the toilets at half time. If the team is playing well, there is a carnival atmosphere (if there ever can be a carnival at the urinals,) but if the match is awful or the team are playing badly, the toilets are a morgue with everyone going about their business without looking at each other. You feel as if you are on the London Underground where the slightest brush of an arm will get evil killer looks. This was the atmosphere in the Sixfields toilets at half time and if by some remote chance you are interested in toilets at football stadiums, I can report that there was nothing different in Northampton compared to other stadiums across the UK. There are concrete walls and adverts for betting and ticket deals. It is soulless and functional.

Nothing more can be said. Food seemed to be fairly expensive in price but was very popular with the locals. The half time entertainment seemed to consist of local school kids kicking balls into a net, whilst most people stood transfixed in front of the concourse televisions looking for the latest afternoon scores. There was no opportunity to kick balls into the back of Fiestas or Minis, which seemed to be the fashion in the seventies and have a brief renaissance in the last couple of years. The second half of the game was much better. Both teams seemed to want to score goals and win the game. The frustration of the home fans seemed to be lifted when Northampton scored two goals that won the match. Once goals began to be scored, the home team seemed to relax and play some flowing football that was dramatically absent throughout the first 45 minutes. The final whistle was blown and there was a happy celebration in a very British sort of way. Within a couple of weeks, Northampton would be playing Liverpool at Anfield in the League Cup, and there were many announcements and mass excitement in advance of the trip to Merseyside. 5.

Comment on getting away from the ground: Getting away from many grounds can be a nightmare that can ruin the day out as well as the match regardless whether the action had been exciting. Delayed and unhealthily packed trains, a lack of buses, closed underground stations due to "overcrowding" have all become a sad feature of travelling to watch football in the UK at the weekend. Travelling away from Sixfields was not a problem. On a sunny day and if your team has done well, it is not that far to walk into the town centre of Northampton as well as the railway station. This particular match had not been watched by a full house so there were enough seats on the bus back into Northampton. The road system around Sixfields is fairly advanced so car drivers will find it easy to start their journeys home. I can not promise that you will avoid any traffic jam but getting away from this particular ground is fairly easy. I certainly did not experience any problems. 6. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out: I enjoyed the match and my visit to the home of Northampton Town Football Club.

I was made to feel welcome at Sixfields and enjoyed the atmosphere during a game that will go down as Northampton Town's first home league win of the season. When you visit lower league clubs, you do feel more part of the club and closer to the action. I felt extremely close to the pitch and was waiting for the moment when the ball would be kicked towards me, and I would make a spectacular catch that would be shown on national television. I do not have any regrets in going. Although the intensive specific details of the football action may not live that long in the memory, I can now swap some anecdotes about the local football club and Sixfields stadium in the local community. Having discovered one of the sporting hearts of Northampton, that is a result for me. Northampton Town v Shrewsbury Town League Two Saturday 25th April 2010, 3pm Andy Saunders (Shrewsbury Town fan) 1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be): I had been to Northampton's old County ground but have never got the chance to visit the new one.

Because Shrewsbury was battling for a play off place with Northampton it had added extra spice to the occasion. 2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking? Very easy, I had a sat nav but did not need it in the end as the ground was well signposted from the motorway. It is on the edge of the town on a Leisure park. Car parking was good and there was lots of spaces but had to pay �3 for the privilege, Northampton rugby club was playing on the same day and I fuond Car parking was not as bad as I thought it was going to be, We bought a lot of fans too. 3. What you did before the game pub/chippy.... home fans friendly? I arrived early for the game as I was worried about parking so I found myself getting very bored as the only things around the area were a few fast food eateries and a Cinema. I had a KFC and a burger at a van parked at the ground. 4.

What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?: Looked to me when I first saw it was that It looked smaller than I imagined it to be, The three stands around the sides where tiny with an overpowering main stand which did look good from the outside (not as big as Crewe's main stand though). Seats were not cramped and I had comfortable leg room. 5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, toilets etc.. Game was awful. Our manager putting only one striker up front in a 4-5-1 formation, which was getting us nowhere fast. In the second half he pushed more men forwardm but we were undone and Northampton scored two goals. We was chasing the game after that and in the end lost 2-0 which ended our hopes for a play off place. Atmosphere was good and the main bunch of vocal home support came from the end of the main stand closest to the away fans. The stewards where the friendliest I have seen for many a year, always helpful and good to have a chat with. 6.

Comment on getting away from the ground after the game: The exit was a bit tight getting out of the leisure complex as there was only one small roundabout to cope with a lot of traffic but once you get on to the open road its is a peice of cake. 7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out: Great day out (apart from the result) was very sunny but not much to do on the leisure park though. Stewards and fans where very friendly but a big overkill with the amount of Police in attendance. Coventry's Sixfields groundshare given Football League approval - BBC Sport BBC Sport Coventry's Sixfields groundshare given Football League approval 8 Jul 2013 Read more about sharing. Coventry City's plan to groundshare with Northampton Town for the next three years has been "reluctantly approved" by the Football League board. But League chairman Greg Clarke still hopes City can resolve the long-running row with their Ricoh Arena landlords for the sake of their fans. "The board did not take this decision lightly," said Clarke.

"It remains a matter of deep regret that the two parties involved cannot come to an agreement." After the long-running saga of their rent row with Arena Coventry Ltd (ACL), Coventry agreed the groundshare deal at Sixfields in the wake of last month's takeover of the club by the Otium Entertainment Group. Of course Coventry should be playing in Coventry but the reason why they cannot for this temporary period is not down to us David Cardoza Northampton Town chairman A statement released by the League on Monday afternoon stated that their board of directors had "reluctantly approved an application by Otium Entertainment Group - the administrator's preferred bidder for Coventry City FC Limited - for Coventry City to play its home matches at Northampton Town's Sixfields Stadium for an initial period of three seasons." "Of course Coventry should be playing in Coventry, but the reason why they cannot for this temporary period is not down to us," said Northampton chairman David Cardoza. "There wasn't any plan for us to try and tempt another club away from their local community for our financial gain. We are simply helping a fellow football club, at their request.

"Had we not reached agreement, and had Coventry been forced to look somewhere else, it may have been at a stadium even further away than Sixfields and with a club who were less aware of the sensitivity and emotion felt by Coventry fans. "All we can do is make the period when they are playing their home games at Sixfields as bearable as possible for Coventry and their supporters." Coventry City at the Ricoh Arena The Ricoh Arena has been the Sky Blues' base since 2005 when they left Highfield Road, their home for the previous 106 years. Arena Coventry Ltd manage the Ricoh Arena on behalf of the stadium's joint-owners. Coventry City Council owns a share of the 32,000-capacity ground, along with the Alan Edward Higgs Charity. Last season, Coventry attracted an average attendance of 10,948. Sixfields has a capacity of 7,653. When home fixtures clash, Northampton's games will take priority.

"If both teams are at home on the same weekend, Coventry will play on the Sunday and, if there is a midweek clash, Coventry will play on the Wednesday," said Cardoza. "No Northampton Town games will be moved as part of this arrangement, subject to any television requirements." This occurs for 15 of Northampton's 23 scheduled home matches next season, the first clash coming on the opening day, 10 August, when the Cobblers face Newport, with Coventry now forced to host their 'home' game against Bristol City a day later. against the club moving out of the city last week and Clarke said the Football League believed clubs should play in the towns or cities from which they take their names. "Nonetheless, from time to time, the board is asked to consider temporary relocations as a means for securing a club's ongoing participation in our competition. "With no prospect of an agreement being reached between Otium and ACL, the board was placed in an unenviable position - with the very real possibility of Coventry City being unable to fulfil its fixtures for next season," he added.

"This would inevitably call into question the club's continued membership of the Football League." Coventry have been in administration since March, and despite being they to pay creditors. Meanwhile, Otium are required to provide a performance bond of £1m for the League as an assurance of the club's commitment to return to the Coventry area. Share this page Coventry City fans stay away from new 'home' Northampton ground - BBC News BBC News Coventry City fans stay away from new 'home' Northampton ground 11 August 2013 Read more about sharing. Close share panel Image caption About 1,500 fans attended the game at Northampton (top) compared to about 5,000 at the charity match at the Ricoh Arena Some Coventry City fans have boycotted their team's first home game at Northampton Town's ground. The Sky Blues, who went into administration in March, are playing their home games 34 miles away after a dispute with Arena Coventry Limited (ACL) over rent at the Ricoh Arena. Earlier this month, the club was deducted 10 points by the Football League and still faces liquidation. Several fans gathered to protest ahead of the match against Bristol City.

Why should I pay to go into a ground that isn't Coventry's? Why aren't they in my city? Stephen McFarlane, Coventry City fan BBC Midlands Today sports editor Nick Clitheroe, estimated there were 1,500 Coventry fans at the game. The match finished 5-4 to Coventry. But about 5,000 Sky Blues supporters went to a charity match which kicked off an hour before at the Ricoh Arena, featuring Coventry City Legends v Midlands All Stars. During that charity match some fans chanted: "We want [ club's former owners ] Sisu out." After the game, hundreds of fans flooded the pitch. At the start of July the club announced it would be playing its home games for the next three seasons at Northampton Town's Sixfields Stadium - a move which has generated much opposition from fans. Some gathered outside the stadium ahead of the game urging other Coventry supporters not to go to the match. Watching from hill Sky Blues fan Brian Treadwell, who lives in London, said that until this season he went to all home and away matches.

Image caption Fans gathered outside the stadium ahead of the game urged other supporters not to attend He stopped at Sixfields on Sunday to get a programme on his way to the Ricoh Arena for the charity match, but said he would not go to watch his team play any games at Northampton. Stephen McFarlane, from Tile Hill, Coventry, said before the match he was going to watch it from the hill above the stadium. He said: "Why should I pay to go into a ground that isn't Coventry's? Why aren't they in my city?" Last week, the club's first League One match of the season had to be stopped for three minutes after protesting fans ran on to the pitch. About a dozen fans staged the protest when the team went 2-0 down in the first half of the game at Crawley Town. Coventry City FC Ltd faces liquidation after ACL rejected a Company Voluntary Arrangement earlier this month. But an application by the Otium Entertainment Group for a transfer of the club's share in The Football League has been accepted and they have been allowed to compete in League One.

Question: Which football team plays home games at Sixfields Stadium?
Answer: NORTHAMPTON TOWN